During Friday’s Minden City Council workshop, District A Councilman Herbert Taylor raised a concern about the staffing and condition of Minden’s Animal Control department.
“There are a lot of stray dogs in our town,” Taylor said.
Currently, there is one employee at Animal Control, along with an open position for part time employee, City Clerk Michael Fluhr said. “They report to the Building Inspector,” he said.
Minden Mayor Terry Gardner said he was unaware of a problem with strays, asking if people have called in with complaints.
District B Councilman Terika Williams-Walker said she had received complaints about the issue. “I’ve been asked about it,” she said. “They can never get anyone [on the phone].”
Taylor said he would like to see two individuals working in animal control, with both being full time employees. “It needs to be another full time position,” he said.
The discussion then addressed the chain of command over the Animal Control Department. “Why is the building inspector over the dog pound?” Taylor asked.
“My philosophy is that animal control should fall under the police department,” Fluhr said. “That is what Brent Cooley [City of Minden Building Inspector] has been requesting for the last five years.”
MInden Police Chief Steve Cropper said he is aware of the problems at Animal Control and that his department receives phone calls about strays.
“They [Animal Control] are overwhelmed,” Cropper said. “We had two people for a long time. It’s not a one-man job.”
Gardner said the city budget will ultimately decide what can be done as far as staffing and facilities for the department.
The Minden city Council meets Monday at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Paige Nash contributed to this report.